Vesalainen started the season with the Jets, but after being held without a goal in his first five NHL games, he was sent down to the Moose. He appeared in eight more AHL games with the Moose where he had three goals and five assists. Vesalainen then exercised an option is his contract to return home to play in Finland.

In 31 games with Jokerit, Vesalainen recorded six goals and 11 assists. He also scored once in six playoff games.

It’s highly unlikely he’ll return to the Jets at any point this season. If he appeared in five more NHL games this season it will burn the first year off his entry level contract to make him a restricted free agent a year earlier. With all first and second years players ineligible for the Seattle expansion draft in 2021, the Jets also wouldn’t have to expose him, and he wouldn’t count towards their protection limit.

The Jets selected Vesalainen in the first round, 24th overall in the 2017 NHL Draft.

WATCH: Winnipeg Jets first round draft pick Kristian Vesalainen spoke following day one of development camp